Two Authors Discuss How Their Debut Novels Were Picked Up by Hollywood
Film adaptations aren’t typically in the plotline for debut novels, but two new thriller/suspense authors, Kathleen Barber and Rea Frey, have capped their debut dreams with film contracts for books seemingly written for the screen.
The WD Interview: Bestseller Jacqueline Woodson on Confronting Controversial Subjects & Writing Across Age Categories
In this exclusive extended interview with National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson, the Newberry Honored author talks character building, diversity movements, and the real-world importance of books for kids and teens.
Writing Tips & Insights from Author Nic Stone
When we last spoke to Nic Stone, her poignant and timely debut novel, Dear Martin was newly launched. Mentored by Jodi Picoult, Stone shares what she's learned along the path to best-selling novelist, as well as her best writing tips.
The WD Interview: Author George Saunders Talks Structure, Outlining and Lincoln in the Bardo
In this exclusive extended interview with short-form master George Saunders, the globally acclaimed author dishes on inventive structure, reveals why he’s wary of outlines and talks novel-length success with Lincoln in the Bardo.
Debut Author Interview: Ashley Woodfolk and ‘The Beauty That Remains’
Ashley Woodfolk is the debut author of the new book The Beauty That Remains. Here, she talks about what inspired the book, what's selling in today's book market, writing about grief, and crafting strong beginnings.
Nothing Wasted: Interview with Tomi Adeyemi, Author of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’
In our "Breaking In" column in Writer's Digest magazine, we talk with debut authors—such as Tomi Adeyemi, San Diego-based author of Children of Blood and Bone—about how they did it, what they learned and why you can do it, too. This is an extended interview with Adeyemi, who appeared in the February 2018...
Unstoppable: YA Fantasy Author Leigh Bardugo on World-Building and Having Faith in Your Abilities | The WD Interview
In this interview from the March/April 2018 issue of Writer’s Digest—including outtakes that didn't appear in the magazine—bestselling author Leigh Bardugo discusses finding YA fantasy stardom and why, if pursuing a dream, you’re always on the right track.
Debut Authors Tell All: Ellie Terry, Middle-Grade Novelist
Every year the editor of Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market compiles a handful of debut authors with unique stories to feature in the latest edition. In my first year as editor, I interviewed 21 debut authors for the 2018 book. And while you’ll have to pick up the latest copy of...
Author Interview: Kevin Lacz, Author of Military Memoir THE LAST PUNISHER
It’s time to feature another interview with a debut author on the blog! These interviews can be a really great resource for new writers because you get to hear from a successful writer on what worked or didn’t work throughout the publication process. Kevin Lacz, author of THE LAST PUNISHER (July...
Author Interview: Lisa Lewis Tyre, author of Middle Grade Novel LAST IN A LONG LINE OF REBELS
We’re featuring another debut author on the blog today! These interview are so wonderful, because they give writers the chance to see what has worked for other authors throughout their publishing process. Lisa Lewis Tyre, author of LAST IN A LONG LINE OF REBELS (Sept. 2015, Nancy Paulsen Books), grew up in...
Interview: Joe Hill on HORNS, NOS4A2 and Stephen King
BY DREW TURNEY Author Joe Hill worked as a writer for nearly a decade before revealing his relationship to legendary horror author Stephen King. (For the uninitiated, Hill is King’s son.) Hill has stated that he wanted to prove himself on his own terms, and so chose to work under a semi-pseudonym....
Meet the Real Andre Dubus III
He did not set out to follow in his famous father’s footsteps, nor is he as dark and brooding as his own House of Sand and Fog. And those are just the first of many things that will surprise you about the bestseller.
How to Control a Media Interview
By Rob Eagar A good way to gauge your interview prowess is by mastering the ability to steer a conversation to only the topics that you want to discuss. Just because a radio or TV host asks you a question does NOT mean that you must answer it. Sure, it’s polite...
5 Things Every Writer Should Know About E-Publishing Today & How to Find Success In Publishing
The May/June 2012 issue focuses on e-book publishing and the ways in which traditional publishing is changing. Plus, we reveal this year's 101 Best Websites for Writers!
Read an exclusive Q&A with Nancy Kress, author of Elements of Fiction Writing: Beginnings, Middles, & Ends.
Author Interview: Don Fry
Don Fry has taught over 10,000 writers worldwide to write better and faster with less agony. He a writing coach who has worked with newspapers and magazines, radio and television stations, and non-profit organizations. He is the author of 17 books including Writing Your Way: Creating a Writing Process That Works...
Historical Fiction Spotlight: Paula McLain
Paula McLain’s latest book is the bestselling The Paris Wife, a fictional account of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage and upstart years in 1920s Paris, told from the point of view of his wife, Hadley. The author of two poetry collections, a memoir and an earlier novel, McLain holds a Master of...
Humor Phenom Justin Halpern’s (Sh*t My Dad Says) Uncensored Insights Into Writing
In 2009, Justin Halpern created a Twitter account to archive his father’s expletive-ridden words of wisdom. Within a month, @shitmydadsays was an Internet sensation. Halpern’s first book, Sh*t My Dad Says, a collection of essays about his father, is a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. He was also the creator/co-executive...
Plot Like a Bestseller: 8 Things You Should Know
What’s the key to plotting a hit book? Well, just ask William Bernhardt, who hit The New York Times bestseller list with his Ben Kincaid series. As Bernhardt revealed in his CraftFest session “Plotting the Bestselling Thriller”: 1. Plot is the writer’s choice of events to tell the story of the...
Q&A With Nancy Kress
Read an exclusive Q&A with Nancy Kress, author of Elements of Fiction Writing: Beginnings, Middles, & Ends.Sue Grafton’s Advice for Writers: Put in the Time
Five books from the end of her alphabet series, Sue Grafton says it doesn’t get any easier—and there’s always another lesson to learn about the ABCs of writing.
by Diana Page Jordan
by Melissa Hill
by Diana Page Jordan
Mitch Albom Explains the Art of Storytelling
by Melissa Hill
Anne Tyler’s Tips on Writing Strong (yet Flawed) Characters
With a body of work spanning five decades, a Pulitzer Prize and membership in the Academy of Arts and Letters, Anne Tyler is a testament to the best kind of longevity—and the purity of the written word.
by Jessica Strawser
by Jessica Strawser
Writing Advice from Stephen King & Jerry Jenkins
One is arguably the best-known writer of our time. The other made his name writing the end of the world as we know it in the left behind series. If this unique pairing seems unlikely, look closer. A conversation with the two yields both parallels and polarity—and candid insights as well...
William P. Young’s Cinderella Story
It’s the ultimate self-publishing dream: William P. Young’s novel went from photo-copied Christmas gift to chart-topping bestseller. Here’s how he pulled it off.
by Jordan E. Rosenfeld
by Jordan E. Rosenfeld